Training Gia

by Nana Prah

  The top tier woman was a legend at their company for having created innovative products which had put them on the map. Although she’d risen through the pay grades like a rocket, Sanjana often preferred to undertake projects as often as she could.

  “I would have waited here all day, Ms. Rao. I’m grateful that you agreed to join me.”

  “Call me Sanjana.” She held up a finger. “Never let someone waste your time, Gia. It’s much too precious.”

  “Thank you.”

  The server came over. “Good afternoon, ladies. Are you ready to order?”

  They gave their drink and food requests. When the waitress left, Sanjana leveled Gia with an assessing gaze. “During your interview I recognized a similar strength and talent in you that reminded me of myself.” Her teeth glimmered against her dark golden-brown skin.

  This was certainly a positive way to start a conversation.

  “Seven previous hires for your position have come and gone before you in the past three years.”

  Gia’s jaw slackened. Did they know why?

  “I’ll be the first to admit that Vincent Harrison is a gifted mechanical engineer, his designs and awards have proven that.” Matte red tinged lips curved down at the corners as she shook her head. “As a person he’s an ass of wormhole proportions. I sensed it the first time I met him during our orientation. We’d both entered the company straight out of college. He hates having to work with anyone who is smarter and has the potential to be better at his job than he is. It gets compounded if the individual is a woman.”

  Gia grabbed the edge of the table as her head spun. Why hadn’t she known that the two had started at the company together? Sanjana was so far ahead of him in rank.

  The waitress placed a cranberry juice before her and a lemonade in front of Sanjana.

  “He may be charismatic, but people, even those who defend and assist him because they like the money he brings to the table, can see through him. It’s why he hasn’t been promoted from his current position. He has a penchant for driving out the employees in his department who have great potential, tripping them up so they don’t surpass him. He makes sure to use every ounce of their talents for his own gain, though.”

  Gia closed her eyes for a moment as confusion and anger warred for dominance. “Why hasn’t anyone done anything? Fired him. Sent a sniper shot through his window.”

  Sanjana laughed. “Both of those options are illegal. In order to dismiss him, we need proof. The scumbag is slick. Even when he had attempted it with me when we’d met, it took me some time of rationalizing what had happened. Once I did, I set him straight. He had no status and no one to run to for support back then, so when I reported him, he was punished for harassment.”

  She took a sip of her drink. “Unfortunately, it didn’t teach him the lesson it should’ve. Just kept him away from me and made him sneakier with his tactics. Manipulation is his specialty. Not only to his victims, either. He’s notorious for his charm so few people see the nasty piece of work he really is. None of his previous employees reported him. They just left. The longest anyone lasted was three months. One woman packed off after two weeks.”

  What did that say about her? Had she been a fool to stay for so long? She felt like an idiot for allowing herself to be bullied instead of making a change. For that she’d probably always kick herself. “Why even hire women if you know he’s going to destroy them?” The psychological torment she’d experienced had caused her to have nightmares. Most of all it made her doubt herself not only as a mechanical engineer, but as a human being.

  “To promote equality,” she answered. “We can’t just hire men when a woman can fill the role just as well.”

  “Even at the risk of a person’s mental health?”

  The question hung heavy while the waitress placed their lobster rolls in front of them.

  Sanjana held her gaze. “For you having to undergo such a traumatizing experience, I am truly sorry.”

  The apology didn’t take away the pain she’d endured, but made her feel more understood. At least she’d grown from the experience. She was a stronger woman. She’d never allow herself to be beaten down like that again. No matter what.

  They ate their meals in contemplative silence. As Gia tucked into the food, she celebrated having copied Sanjana’s order even though the calorie count would probably exceed a week’s worth of meals.

  When she was satisfied, Gia left the rest of the sandwich on her plate instead of forcing it down. She marveled at yet another change she’d undertaken with Lamar’s guidance.

  Sanjana patted her flat stomach. “Every time I come here I get the lobster roll. I pay for it with an extra hour on the treadmill, but it’s worth it.”

  Gia nodded in agreement.

  “Why did you stay?” Sanjana asked as if they hadn’t taken a break in the conversation.

  Because I’m dumb. “I’ve spent eight years working for Protich. I was happy with the company until I got the promotion. They are known for career growth and I love the work I do even though the environment is toxic. I thought Harrison’s ill-treatment would stop if I stuck it out. It took too long for me to realize the toll it had taken on me.”

  “I wanted you to work in my department, but I was voted out and they sent you to Harrison.”

  Gia placed a hand over her chest as her eyes widened. Her life would’ve been infinitely better if she’d worked for this incredible woman. “Why didn’t you reach out to me and tell me this before?”

  Sanjana flipped the dark glossy hair which had fallen forward over her shoulder. “The political climate at Protich wouldn’t allow it. As I mentioned before, they needed proof of Vincent’s harassment even though they suspected it was happening.” Sanjana regarded her for several seconds. “Two months ago, I had Ramesh transferred into Vincent’s department.”

  Gia’s “what?” came out loud enough to draw several patron’s attention.

  “Don’t tell anyone, but we’re from the same area in Goa. I went to school with his oldest sister. When he wanted to work in the US, I influenced Protich to sponsor him. One of the best investments they’ve ever made. The man is a genius when it comes to creating manufacturing machines, but a dunce at appliances.” Sanjana hitched a shoulder. “It’s a good thing we all have our specialties.”

  Still not over the shock of the news, Gia listened, intrigued.

  “Ramesh begged me not to make him go, but in the end I called in that favor. He speaks highly of you, but hasn’t been able to acquire anything solid on Vincent.”

  A niggling at the back of her mind made her ask, “Does Ramesh have children?”

  Sanjana’s perfect brows undulated. “No. Why do you ask?”

  Gia raised her fist and descended it, stopping an inch from banging it against the table. “Such a manipulative douchebag. I can’t believe how I always let him get to me. Why was I so weak?” she said more to herself.

  “Bullies have a way of saying what they need to in order to make themselves feel as if they’re in complete control. Never believe that you’re weak. You have an ingrained strength that kept you in the position despite the pressure.”

  It still didn’t seem fair, but she’d lament over that later. This meeting was about making a change. “So what happens now?”

  “That depends on you.”

  The waitress came for their plates.

  “Can I please have the rest of that to go?” No way would Gia let such deliciousness go to waste.

  The young woman nodded. “Sure. Would you like some dessert?”

  She and Sanjana raised their hands and answered, “No, thank you,” at the same time. And then they giggled, easing the tension of the conversation.

  Gia relaxed in her seat. “What do you mean that it’s up to me?”

  “You remind me a lot of my younger self, Gia. Even tougher. As a woman from India who is dark in complexion in an industry where many of us don’t dwell, I have experienced my share of harassment, but I don’t th
ink I would’ve been able to endure what you have for so long. You will go places in this industry. You just have to ask yourself if it’s with Protich or somewhere else.”

  “I love working on appliances, even though I haven’t had the chance to design one through to completion. If I left Protich, it would provide Harrison with a new victim.” Gia wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if someone else had to endure the same hell and she wasn’t able to help.

  “True.”

  She’d always wondered if the report she’d made to HR had lead to a true investigation. “I reported him to HR a few months ago.”

  Sanjana’s eyebrows rose. “I didn’t know that. Let me guess. Nothing happened.”

  Chest tight with the dejection of not being heard or assisted in her time of need, Gia nodded.

  “Vincent is good friends with the head of HR. I presumed he learned a lesson after all from when I reported him years ago.” Sanjana held her gaze and smiled. “I’m proud of you for taking that step even though it didn’t work out the way it should’ve. Not feeling supported must’ve been extra hard on you.”

  She admitted the truth of her experience. “It was.”

  The silence lingered for a moment as they absorbed the heft of what she’d gone through.

  “I hope that us meeting will make your work life better. You’re an asset to Protich, and we’d hate to see the talent you possess go to one of our competitors. I’m pretty sure that when Vincent finds out you had lunch with me, he’ll shit his pants. If he has the gall to ask you about why we met, feel free to tell him everything. All except Ramesh’s involvement.” Sanjana waved a finger back and forth. “That stays between us.”

  The waitress delivered the bill and the remains of Gia’s food.

  “Getting Harrison fired is a difficult task,” Sanjana said. “But if he attempts to bully you again, I will personally make sure that he gets transferred under me. Feel free to quote me when you see him. Mention that he’ll be doing accelerated life testing on thermals until his body’s basal temperature runs at one hundred degrees.” Sanjana cackled. “That’ll get the blood draining from his face.”

  Gia chuckled with her new mentor as a huge weight had been lifted.

  Curiosity and residual disappointment pushed Gia to ask, “Why couldn’t you do any of this before?”

  “As much as I hate it, our company is embroiled in politics. Harrison is favored, virtually untouchable. The chats that I had with him about how to treat employees went right over his head. The managerial trainings about harassment in the workplace didn’t touch him. I tried to help from behind the scenes. If I had known that you’d already been to HR and been unfairly treated, I wouldn’t have waited for you to step up to me with your request for help.”

  “What if I hadn’t?”

  “Ramesh would have prodded you. I’ve always been in your corner. You just didn’t know it.” Sanjana angled her body forward. “What prompted you to contact me?”

  She had so much to thank Lamar for. “My personal trainer said that in order to solve my problem I needed power. You were the only person who came to mind.”

  Sanjana tapped her chin. “Ramesh told me about Lamar Pearce showing up and giving Vincent the business. He actually laughed. Have you ever heard Ramesh laugh? It takes a lot to make it happen. Tell me about your personal trainer.” She put the words in finger quotes.

  Gia’s face got hot. “What? That’s all he is.”

  “Mmm hmm. Ramesh said there was chemistry between you two.”

  She rolled her eyes. “For a man who barely speaks in the office, he talks too much when out of it. Lamar and I are friends.” With hot sex added into the mix.

  “I have a feeling you and I will get along well. Soon enough you’ll spill the whole story.”

  Gia lifted her purse to pay, but Sanjana shook her head.

  “This meal is the least I can do.” Sanjana added her credit card to the bill and waved the waitress over.

  Her heart swelled with gratitude for more than just the free food. “Thank you.” In a little over an hour her life had changed. For the better. She had someone to support her in her struggle.

  Lamar would be thoroughly thanked the next time she saw him.

  Chapter 22

  Learning everything he could about Gia had become Lamar’s new favorite activity. Things had happened fast between them, but it seemed like he’d known her forever. Every cliché about recognizing the one played in his mind. Unlike with any other relationship he’d had, he didn’t have to question anything when it came to Gia. He just knew.

  He pressed her doorbell after a quick stop at home to shower and grab a change of clothes for tomorrow. They’d had to hide their interest in each other while working out, and she’d been great at accepting it. At least she hadn’t shared the news with Trista. He only knew because if she had, her spitfire of a sister would’ve come after him with her claws aimed at the most sensitive part of his body.

  The barrier swung open and he braced for impact when she leapt. He laughed, wrapping his arms around her as she peppered kisses over his face. Her demonstrative nature, once she’d gotten accustomed to him, had been a pleasant surprise.

  Gia settled her mouth onto his and kissed him in a way that conveyed just how much she’d missed him. Panting when she slid her lips across his one last time, she backed out of his arms and led him inside. “Would you like something to drink? Have you eaten?” she offered.

  Hands wrapped around her waist, he pulled her pelvis close and ground. Her whimper of need as her lids drifted closed had him throbbing. “All I want is you.”

  She placed her palms against his chest and pushed to put space between them. Her mouth shifted into a pout as she glanced away.

  An urge overpowered to beat down whatever had upset her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, um.” She squared her shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “I, uh. I probably should’ve told you before you came over, but I was being selfish and wanted to see you. I don’t expect you to stay.”

  He glanced around the room for any signs of danger. What had her babbling? He didn’t smell alcohol on her breath. Had her boss started in on her again?

  “I have my period,” she said.

  He released the breath he’d been holding. “You had me scared that something was wrong. Do you want me to spend the night?”

  Her widened eyes revealed that she hadn’t expected him to be so understanding. “Do you want to?”

  He gave her lips a quick peck. Even if they couldn’t make love, he wanted to sleep with her warmth pressed against him. Wake up next to her. The woman he’d fallen in love with.

  No shock. No drama. Just a knowledge that Giana Baxter had captured his heart.

  “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

  He witnessed her hard swallow and a glossy glimmer in her eyes before she turned away and lead him to the couch. “Good.”

  They sat snuggled up.

  “You won’t believe what happened to me today.” She laid a kiss against his cheek and told him about everything that had been going on at work with her bully of a boss, including the meeting she’d had with Sanjana.

  “When I got back to work, Harrison called me into his office. Ramesh had made sure to inform Carl, the office snitch, who told Harrison that he’d seen me and Sanjana at Canova’s having lunch. I’d never seen the man so twitchy before. He seemed scared shitless. Kind of how he was when you got all up in his face. You knew didn’t you?”

  Lamar chuckled, happy that everything was working out so well for his magnificent woman. She deserved the best and he’d do everything in his power to provide it. “Sorry to tell you, but the asking for a friend story was transparent.”

  She rested a hand over his heart. “Only to someone who cared to see the truth. After six months of suffering in silence, thanks to your fantastic advice and presence at my workplace, I’m free.”

  He teased the smile from her lips. They were as sweet as red li
quorish, and just like the treat, she had become his delight.

  When she ended the tender kiss and his senses returned, he asked, “What happened with your boss?”

  “He told me that he’d heard about my lunch with Sanjana. And then he tried to brainwash me into believing she was only ever out for herself, and she would hurt my career to boost her own.”

  “What a jerk. I should’ve broken his hand when I had the chance.”

  She giggled. “The pain you caused was good enough. I said everything Sanjana told me to. By the time I was done his eyes were glistening, and his face was splotchy. That’s when I walked out.”

  He swiped a kiss to her temple. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I still don’t like you working for him. Are you sure you won’t consider transferring to another department?”

  “Now that he’s on Sanjana’s leash, I have nothing to fear. Besides, he probably guessed that you won’t hesitate to kick his ass if the need arises.”

  Time for him to bring out his own confession. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

  Goosebumps rose on Gia’s arms from the sudden chill of his words. She almost didn’t want to hear what he had to declare.

  “I’ve been married before,” Lamar said. “Twice.”

  She waited for him to say something more. Seconds ticked by before she realized that had been his big announcement.

  “Yeah. I know.”

  He jerked his head back.

  The man tended to be bomb squad calm, so it threw her off to see him surprised. She almost patted herself on the back.

  “Lamar, your romantic interludes are blasted all over the internet.”

  His lips relaxed into their normal fullness as he nodded. “I see.”

  “If it makes you feel any better about sharing, I don’t know why the marriages failed. I’m sure those are interesting stories.” Because why the hell would someone not work hard to keep him by her side?

  And then compassion overtook her curiosity. “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay. I’ve heard that divorce can be bitter.”